by InTrieste
On the first Sunday of every month, Italy’s state and civic museums open their doors with special programming designed to bring new audiences inside. In Trieste, Sunday, February 1, 2026, will follow that tradition with a full day of activities for children and adults across the city’s civic museums, organized by the Municipality of Trieste in collaboration with CoopCulture.
The program is built around the idea of the museum as a shared civic space: educational, accessible, and—especially for younger visitors—playful. From interactive games in the Natural History Museum to guided tours and a treasure hunt at the Castle of San Giusto, the day offers multiple entry points into Trieste’s cultural heritage.
Learning Through Play at the Natural History Museum
The morning begins at the Museo di Storia Naturale, on Via Tominz, with an activity designed specifically for children aged 6 to 11. At 10:30 a.m., the museum will host “Vero o falso?” (“True or False?”), a guided visit structured as a game.
Rather than a traditional tour, the experience invites children to move through the galleries with a guide, observing exhibits closely and testing their intuition. The Natural History Museum of Trieste houses more than four million items, ranging from original specimens to carefully crafted models and reproductions. Part of the challenge lies in distinguishing between the authentic and the reconstructed—a task that encourages attention to detail and critical thinking.
The activity reflects a broader shift in museum education, emphasizing participation over passive observation. Children are encouraged to ask questions, make guesses, and engage directly with the displays, transforming the museum visit into an exploratory experience rather than a lesson.
Participation costs €8 per child, and advance booking is required through CoopCulture’s website.
A Treasure Hunt at the Castle of San Giusto
At the Castle of San Giusto, which overlooks the city from its hilltop position, the focus remains on younger audiences with the return of “Alla conquista del Castello” (“Conquering the Castle”), a treasure hunt designed for children.
Set within the fortress’s courtyards and historic spaces, the activity turns the castle into a landscape of clues and discoveries. Participants are invited to explore the site while solving challenges that introduce them to its history in an informal, engaging way. The format is designed to balance movement, storytelling, and problem-solving, making the medieval stronghold approachable even for first-time visitors.
The treasure hunt will take place in two sessions, at 10:30 a.m. and again at 3:00 p.m., allowing families flexibility in planning their day. The cost is €10 per child, and reservations are required.
A Guided Introduction for Adults
While children explore through games, adult visitors will have the opportunity to take part in a more traditional guided experience at the Castle of San Giusto. At 11:30 a.m., the tour “Benvenuti a San Giusto” (“Welcome to San Giusto”) offers a 60-minute introduction to one of Trieste’s most important historical sites.
Conducted in Italian, the visit traces the evolution of the castle from its medieval origins to its present-day role as a civic monument. The itinerary includes the Cortile delle Milizie (Courtyard of the Militias), the bastions, the external ramparts, and the Armory, weaving architectural details with broader historical context.
From its strategic military function to its symbolic role overlooking the city, the castle provides a lens through which to understand Trieste’s layered past. The guided tour is priced at €7 per participant, with advance booking recommended.
Practical Information
All activities scheduled for Sunday, February 1, are available by reservation through the CoopCulture website. Tickets can also be booked via the CoopCulture call center, which operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at +39 040 9892032.
Together, the events offer a snapshot of how Trieste’s civic museums are positioning themselves: as places of education, leisure, and community engagement. By combining structured learning with interactive experiences, the city’s museums aim to make cultural heritage accessible across generations—one Sunday at a time.
